Introduction
Craving a spicy, crispy, and cheesy bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties or game day? Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring tender, breaded chicken cutlets topped with melty mozzarella and a zesty Bang Bang sauce, all nestled in soft slider rolls. These sliders pack a flavorful punch with a crispy coating and a creamy, spicy sauce, making them ideal for casual gatherings or a fun family meal. Ready to slide into some deliciousness? Let’s get frying!
Overview: Why Bang Bang Chicken Sliders Are Special
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders combine the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the bold, sweet-spicy kick of Bang Bang sauce, a popular condiment made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The sliders are easy to assemble, portable, and customizable, making them perfect for entertaining or quick dinners. The contrast of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and soft buns creates a satisfying texture, while the sauce adds a memorable zing. They’re kid-friendly yet sophisticated enough for adults, ensuring everyone loves them.
- Time Requirement: About 20 minutes prep, 15-20 minutes cooking (frying in batches).
- Difficulty Level: Moderate. Suitable for home cooks comfortable with frying or willing to try a breading process.
- Why It’s Special: These sliders blend crispy fried chicken with a bold, creamy sauce in a convenient slider format. They’re versatile, party-ready, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a tailgate or craving a spicy twist on sliders, Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are a guaranteed hit.
Essential Ingredients
Bang Bang Chicken Sliders use simple ingredients to create a crispy, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
For the Chicken
- Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts (1½ pounds): Thin cutlets cook quickly and fit perfectly in sliders, staying tender and juicy.
- Kosher Salt (to taste): Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Fresh Black Pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Garlic Powder (to taste): Provides savory, aromatic flavor.
For the Breading
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Forms the first layer of the breading, helping it stick to the chicken.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Creates a light, crispy texture in the coating.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and acts as a glue for the breading.
- Hot Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick to the wet batter.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the wet batter for a cohesive coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups, or more as needed): Delivers a crunchy, golden exterior.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying): Ensures even frying and crispiness at high heat.
For Assembly
- Mozzarella Cheese (12 slices): Melts into a gooey, mild layer that complements the spicy sauce.
- Slider Rolls (12): Soft, small buns hold the chicken and toppings perfectly.
- Bang Bang Sauce (prepared separately): A creamy, sweet-spicy sauce (typically mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha) that defines the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap for thin-sliced chicken thighs for juicier meat or tofu cutlets for vegetarian (press and marinate tofu first).
- Seasonings: Add paprika, onion powder, or cayenne to the chicken seasoning for extra flavor.
- Flour/Cornstarch: Use gluten-free flour or rice flour for a gluten-free coating.
- Buttermilk: Replace with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, or use plant-based milk for dairy-free.
- Hot Sauce: Use sriracha, buffalo sauce, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Panko: Substitute with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free panko.
- Oil: Peanut or sunflower oil work well; avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point.
- Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper Jack, or provolone for different flavors; use dairy-free cheese for lactose-free.
- Rolls: Use Hawaiian rolls for sweetness, brioche for richness, or gluten-free buns.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Make your own (¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha) or use spicy mayo, ranch, or buffalo sauce.
Pro Tip: Use thin chicken cutlets to ensure quick, even cooking, and make or buy Bang Bang sauce ahead to save time. Keep panko fresh for maximum crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Bang Bang Chicken Sliders involves breading, frying, and assembling for a crispy, flavorful result. Follow these steps:
- Season Chicken:
- Pat 1½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Tip: Season evenly for balanced flavor; let sit 5 minutes to absorb seasonings.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls: In the first, mix ½ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ cup cornstarch. In the second, whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 1 large egg until smooth. In the third, place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs.
- Tip: Use wide bowls for easy dredging, and keep one hand dry, one wet to avoid messy fingers.
- Bread Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Tip: Press panko gently but firmly for a thick, crunchy coating; add more panko if needed.
- Fry Chicken:
- Add a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil (about ¼ inch deep) to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry chicken cutlets in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Add more oil between batches as needed, letting it heat up before frying.
- Tip: Use a thermometer to check doneness; don’t overcrowd to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain Chicken:
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Tip: Keep chicken warm in a 200°F oven if frying in multiple batches.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:
- While chicken cooks, prepare Bang Bang sauce if not using store-bought (e.g., ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha, mixed well). Set aside in a small bowl.
- Tip: Adjust sriracha to taste for more or less heat.
- Assemble Sliders:
- Cut fried chicken cutlets into pieces to fit 12 slider rolls (about 2-3 inches wide).
- Place chicken on the bottom buns, top each with 1 slice mozzarella cheese while chicken is warm to melt slightly.
- Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, then add the top bun.
- Tip: Toast slider buns lightly for extra texture; use a spoon or piping bag for neat sauce application.
- Serve:
- Serve sliders immediately while the chicken is melty and hot (makes 12 sliders, 4-6 servings).
- Tip: Skewer with toothpicks to hold sliders together for easy serving at parties.
Cooking Tips:
- Even Breading: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated for consistent crunch; shake off excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Oil Temperature: Test oil by dropping a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately but not burn. Adjust heat to maintain 350°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to prevent steaming and ensure crispiness.
Assembly: Serving Your Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Serving No-Bake Bang Bang Monster Chicken Sliders are all about highlighting their crispy, spicy, and cheesy appeal:
- Serve Hot:
- Serve 2-3 sliders per person as an appetizer or 4-5 as a main dish, with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
- Tip: Enjoy immediately for maximum crispiness and melted cheese.
- Presentation Tips:
- Arrange on a platter with small bowls of extra Bang Bang sauce, ranch, or hot sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds for a vibrant look.
- Serve in a basket lined with parchment paper for a casual, fun vibe.
- Serving Ideas:
- Pair with fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Serve with a cucumber salad or pickled veggies to balance the spice.
- Tip: For parties, offer alongside other sliders (e.g., BBQ or cheeseburger) or appetizers like wings or nachos a variety for a fun party spread.
- Portioning:
- Allow 2 sliders-3 per sliders person as a snack or 4-6 as a main dish; serves 12-6. depending on portion size.
- Make smaller chicken pieces for sliders mini sliders (using 1 tablespoon filling) for party-sized bites, yielding about 15-18 sliders.
Pro Tip: Serve with a side of Bang Bang sauce spiked with extra sriracha for spice lovers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage:
- Fridge: Store cooked chicken (without sauce or buns) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store Reassemble buns and sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken breaded (before or after frying, fried) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat Thaw in the fridge oil overnight for and fry, adding 1-3 minutes if unfried.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake Reheat at 375°F for 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet, flipping halfway, to crisp them up.
- Air Fryer: Heat Air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy a quick results, shaking halfway.
- Tip: Re-assemble Assemble sliders after reheating chicken to keep buns fresh and avoid buns sogginess; add fresh sauce.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep Ahead: Season and bread chicken up to a day ahead, refrigerate on a tray, and fry fresh.
- Prepare Cook filling up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, refrigerate and reheat assemble before frying serving.
- Freeze Ahead: Freeze breaded, unfried chicken for up to 2 months; fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
- Tip: Store Bang Bang sauce separately in the fridge for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Pro Tip: Freeze breaded chicken in single layers with parchment between to prevent sticking.
Recipe Variations
Make No-Bake Bang Bang Monster Chicken Sliders your own with these fun twists:
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Swap Bang Bang sauce for buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles instead of mozzarella.
- Sweet Chili Chicken Sliders: Use only sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor, and add shredded carrots for crunch.
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Sliders: Add a slice of bacon to each slider and swap Bang Bang sauce for ranch dressing.
- Spicy Korean Chicken Sliders: Replace Bang Bang sauce with gochujang mayo (2 tablespoons gochujang, ¼ cup mayo) and top with kimchi.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Sliders: Use gluten-free flour, panko, and slider buns; ensure Bang Bang sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
Healthier Twist:
- Bake Instead of Fry: Brush chicken with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Air Fry: Cook breaded chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, for less oil.
- Leaner Option: Use ground chicken or turkey for the patties cutlets and reduced-fat mozzarella.
Conclusion
No-Bake Bang Bang Monster Chicken Sliders are a crispy, spicy, and cheesy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy breaded chicken, melty mozzarella, and zesty Bang Bang sauce, they’re a fun, flavorful twist on classic sliders that’s sure to impress. Easy Customize to with make your favorite toppings or sauces, and they’re enjoy ideal the for crispy, parties, melty game goodness days, fresh or from quick the dinners. fryer. Grab your skillet and let’s fry roll up some slider magic! What’s your favorite way dipping to sauce enjoy for these spicy sliders?
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Bang Bang Chicken Sliders
Description
Craving a spicy, crispy, and cheesy bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties or game day? Bang Bang Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring tender, breaded chicken cutlets topped with melty mozzarella and a zesty Bang Bang sauce, all nestled in soft slider rolls.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts (1½ pounds): Thin cutlets cook quickly and fit perfectly in sliders, staying tender and juicy.
- Kosher Salt (to taste): Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Fresh Black Pepper (to taste): Adds mild heat and depth.
- Garlic Powder (to taste): Provides savory, aromatic flavor.
For the Breading
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Forms the first layer of the breading, helping it stick to the chicken.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Creates a light, crispy texture in the coating.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and acts as a glue for the breading.
- Hot Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick to the wet batter.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the wet batter for a cohesive coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups, or more as needed): Delivers a crunchy, golden exterior.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying): Ensures even frying and crispiness at high heat.
For Assembly
- Mozzarella Cheese (12 slices): Melts into a gooey, mild layer that complements the spicy sauce.
- Slider Rolls (12): Soft, small buns hold the chicken and toppings perfectly.
- Bang Bang Sauce (prepared separately): A creamy, sweet-spicy sauce (typically mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha) that defines the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap for thin-sliced chicken thighs for juicier meat or tofu cutlets for vegetarian (press and marinate tofu first).
- Seasonings: Add paprika, onion powder, or cayenne to the chicken seasoning for extra flavor.
- Flour/Cornstarch: Use gluten-free flour or rice flour for a gluten-free coating.
- Buttermilk: Replace with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, or use plant-based milk for dairy-free.
- Hot Sauce: Use sriracha, buffalo sauce, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Panko: Substitute with regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free panko.
- Oil: Peanut or sunflower oil work well; avoid olive oil due to its low smoke point.
- Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper Jack, or provolone for different flavors; use dairy-free cheese for lactose-free.
- Rolls: Use Hawaiian rolls for sweetness, brioche for richness, or gluten-free buns.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Make your own (¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha) or use spicy mayo, ranch, or buffalo sauce.
Pro Tip: Use thin chicken cutlets to ensure quick, even cooking, and make or buy Bang Bang sauce ahead to save time. Keep panko fresh for maximum crunch.
Instructions
- Season Chicken:
- Pat 1½ pounds thin-sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Tip: Season evenly for balanced flavor; let sit 5 minutes to absorb seasonings.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls: In the first, mix ½ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ cup cornstarch. In the second, whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, and 1 large egg until smooth. In the third, place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs.
- Tip: Use wide bowls for easy dredging, and keep one hand dry, one wet to avoid messy fingers.
- Bread Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Coat in panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Tip: Press panko gently but firmly for a thick, crunchy coating; add more panko if needed.
- Fry Chicken:
- Add a thin layer of vegetable or canola oil (about ¼ inch deep) to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry chicken cutlets in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Add more oil between batches as needed, letting it heat up before frying.
- Tip: Use a thermometer to check doneness; don’t overcrowd to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain Chicken:
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Tip: Keep chicken warm in a 200°F oven if frying in multiple batches.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:
- While chicken cooks, prepare Bang Bang sauce if not using store-bought (e.g., ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha, mixed well). Set aside in a small bowl.
- Tip: Adjust sriracha to taste for more or less heat.
- Assemble Sliders:
- Cut fried chicken cutlets into pieces to fit 12 slider rolls (about 2-3 inches wide).
- Place chicken on the bottom buns, top each with 1 slice mozzarella cheese while chicken is warm to melt slightly.
- Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, then add the top bun.
- Tip: Toast slider buns lightly for extra texture; use a spoon or piping bag for neat sauce application.
- Serve:
- Serve sliders immediately while the chicken is melty and hot (makes 12 sliders, 4-6 servings).
- Tip: Skewer with toothpicks to hold sliders together for easy serving at parties.
Cooking Tips:
- Even Breading: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated for consistent crunch; shake off excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Oil Temperature: Test oil by dropping a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately but not burn. Adjust heat to maintain 350°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to prevent steaming and ensure crispiness.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
A: Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F). They’ll be less crispy but healthier.
Q: Are Bang Bang Chicken Sliders healthy?
A: They’re indulgent due to frying and sauce. Bake or air-fry, use lean meat, and reduce sauce for a lighter option.
Q: Can I use store-bought Bang Bang sauce?
A: Yes, many brands offer pre-made Bang Bang sauce. Check spice level and adjust with mayo if too hot.
Q: Why is my chicken not crispy?
A: Oil may be too cool or chicken overcrowded. Maintain 350°F and fry in small batches for crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze the sliders?
A: Freeze breaded, unfried chicken for up to 2 months; fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes. Assembled sliders don’t freeze well.
Q: Why is my breading falling off?
A: Insufficient pressing or wet chicken can cause this. Pat chicken dry, press panko firmly, and let breaded pieces rest 5 minutes before frying.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, double all ingredients for 24 sliders. Fry in batches and use a larger skillet or two pans to save time.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free flour, panko, and slider buns; ensure Bang Bang sauce ingredients (e.g., mayo, chili sauce) are gluten-free.